Kingdom Hearts II

Kingdom Hearts II
North American cover art
The North American cover features the main characters of the game, including Riku, Sora, Donald Duck, Goofy, King Mickey, Kairi, Roxas and DiZ
Developer(s) Square Enix PDD 1[1]
Publisher(s) Square Enix
Buena Vista Games
Designer(s) Tetsuya Nomura
Writer(s) Kazushige Nojima
Composer(s) Yoko Shimomura
Series Kingdom Hearts
Platform(s) PlayStation 2
Release date(s) Kingdom Hearts II
  • JP December 22, 2005
  • NA March 28, 2006
  • PAL September 29, 2006
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
  • JP March 29, 2007
Genre(s) Action role-playing game
Mode(s) Single-player
Rating(s)
Media 1 DVD-ROM

Kingdom Hearts II (キングダムハーツII Kingudamu Hātsu II?) is an action role-playing game developed by Square Enix and published by Buena Vista Games and Square Enix in 2005 for the Sony PlayStation 2 video game console. The game is a sequel to the 2002 Disney Interactive and Square collaboration, Kingdom Hearts, which combined Disney and Square elements into an action role-playing game, though it is significantly darker in tone than its predecessor. The game's popularity has resulted in a novel and manga series based upon it and an international version called Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, released in March 2007.

Kingdom Hearts II is the third game in the Kingdom Hearts series. It picks up one year after the events of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories.[2] Sora, the protagonist of the first two games, returns to search for his lost friends.[3] Like the previous games, Kingdom Hearts II features a large cast of characters from Disney films and Final Fantasy games. Organization XIII, a group introduced in Chain of Memories, also reappears to impede Sora's progress.

The game was well-received, earning year-end awards from numerous video gaming websites. In Japan, it shipped more than one million copies within a week of its release. One month after its North American release, it had sold over one million copies and was the second best-selling game of 2006.[4] As of March 31, 2007, the game has shipped over 4 million copies worldwide.[5]

Contents

Gameplay

See also: Gameplay of Kingdom Hearts
Sora battles Sephiroth in Radiant Garden. The player uses the game menu at the bottom left of the screen to control Sora's actions and can monitor Sora's health and magic meters on the bottom right.

The gameplay of Kingdom Hearts II is similar to that of Kingdom Hearts, though developers made an effort to address complaints with the previous game.[6][7] The player directly controls Sora from a third person camera angle,[8] though first person perspective is available. Most of the gameplay occurs on interconnected field maps where battles take place. The game is driven by a linear progression from one story event to the next, usually told in the form of a cutscene, though there are numerous side-quests available that provide bonuses to the characters.

Like many traditional roleplaying games, Kingdom Hearts II features an experience point system which determines character development.[9] As enemies are defeated, the player and allies gain experience which culminates in a "level up", in which the playable characters grow stronger and gain access to new abilities.[10] As in the first game, Kingdom Hearts II allows a certain degree of character customization through a short tutorial found at the beginning of the game.

Combat in Kingdom Hearts II is in real-time and involves button presses which initiate attacks by the on-screen character. A role-playing game menu, similar to those found in Final Fantasy games, at the bottom left of the screen provides other combat options such as using magic, summoning beings to assist in battle, or executing combination attacks with other party members.[10] A new feature is the "Reaction Command", special enemy-specific attacks that are triggered when the player presses the triangle button at the correct time during battle.[11] Reaction Commands can be used to defeat regular enemies or avoid damage, and are sometimes necessary to complete a boss battle.[9] In addition to the main character, two party members are usually present who also participate in combat.[6] Although these characters are computer-controlled, the player is allowed to customize their behavior to a certain extent through the menu screen, such as attacking the same enemy Sora targets.

In response to criticism, the "Gummi Ship" feature of the first game was re-imagined to be "more enjoyable". Although retaining its basic purpose of travel, the previous system was completely redone to resemble a combination of rail shooter and "Disney theme park ride".[7] In the world map, the player must now control the Gummi Ship from a top-down view and fly to the world the player wishes to enter. Worlds are no longer open from the beginning—the player must unlock the routes to them by entering a new level, controlling the ship from a third-person point of view, and battling enemy ships.[10] After the route is opened, travel to the world is unimpeded, unless it is blocked again due to a plot related event.

Drive Gauge

Sora in Valor Form, one of the Drive Forms introduced in Kingdom Hearts II

One of the new features is a meter known as the "Drive Gauge". The Drive Gauge serves two functions: to transform into a "Drive Form" or to summon a special character. While in Drive Form, Sora bonds with party members to become more powerful and acquire different attributes;[12] some Forms also allow the use of two Keyblades. While in a Drive Form, Sora's combat statistics are heightened. Drive Forms also give Sora new abilities that can be used outside of battle. At first, his Drive Forms only combine power with one party member, but as he gains new ones, he can bond with both party members. When allies are used in a Drive Form, they are temporarily removed from battle for its duration. Unlike hit points and magic, the Drive Gauge is not recharged at save points.[10]

Like the first game, Sora can summon a Disney character to aid him in battle.[11] A summoned character will replace the two computer-controlled characters and fight alongside Sora for as long as the Drive Gauge allows or until he dies. Instead of being limited to only one action, summoned characters now have a menu of their own and are capable of performing solo actions or cooperative actions with Sora. These actions are performed with a press of the triangle button. The summon ability and each Drive Form are leveled up separately and by different criteria. Obtaining higher levels allows for extended use and in the case of Drive Forms, access to new abilities.[9]

Plot

Setting

Kingdom Hearts series chronology

Birth by Sleep
Kingdom Hearts
Chain of Memories
358/2 Days
Kingdom Hearts II
coded
3D

The setting of Kingdom Hearts II is a collection of various levels (referred to in-game as "worlds") that the player progresses through. As in the first game, Kingdom Hearts II allows the player to travel to locales from various Disney works, along with original worlds specifically created for the series. While in the first game, Disney-based worlds were primarily derived from the Disney animated features canon, Kingdom Hearts II introduces worlds that are based on Disney live-action films as well.[13][14] Each world varies in appearance and setting, depending on the Disney film on which it is based. The graphics of the world and characters are meant to resemble the artwork style of the environments and characters from their respective Disney films. Each world is disconnected from the others and exists separately; with few exceptions, players travel from one world to another via a Gummi Ship.

Some worlds featured in the previous games reappear, but with new and expanded areas. There are also new worlds that are introduced, including the Land of Dragons, a fictionalized version of ancient China from the film Mulan; Beast's Castle, an 1800s-style French castle based on Beauty and the Beast; Timeless River, a past version of Disney Castle that features Steamboat Willie-style animation; Port Royal from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl; Pride Land, a great savannah from The Lion King; and Space Paranoids, a digital world based on Tron within Hollow Bastion's computer network. Twilight Town, an original world first seen in Chain of Memories, has a greater role as the introductory world. The World That Never Was is a new world that serves as the headquarters of Organization XIII.[9]

Characters

The three main characters in the game are Sora, a 15-year-old boy who was chosen as master of the Keyblade, a mystical key-shaped weapon with the power to combat darkness; Donald Duck, the court magician of Disney Castle; and Goofy, the captain of the Disney Castle guard.[9] Both Donald and Goofy were ordered to find and stay with the "key",[15] which was revealed to be the Keyblade. They befriended Sora during their journey in Kingdom Hearts and draw strength from this friendship. Other original characters include Riku and Kairi, Sora's friends from his home world, Destiny Islands; Roxas, a mysterious boy who can also wield the Keyblade; and DiZ, a man in red robes with a vendetta against Organization XIII.

As in the previous games, there are numerous appearances of characters from both Disney and Square Enix works. While some make a return from Kingdom Hearts, new characters from Disney fiction are also introduced, such as Scar from The Lion King and Scrooge McDuck. Pete appears as a persistent enemy who works with the resurrected Maleficent. Nearly twenty characters from Final Fantasy games appear, notably, Auron of Final Fantasy X and the return of Squall Leonhart, Cloud Strife, and Sephiroth. It was stated that although the first game strictly stuck to characters Tetsuya Nomura designed, this time around they were going to "take some risks", implying that characters not directly designed by Nomura might make an appearance.[16] Other new characters to series are Vivi of Final Fantasy IX, the Moogles from several Final Fantasy games, and Setzer of Final Fantasy VI.

The various worlds that Sora explores often have an optional party character from the film on which the world is based. Such party members include Fa Mulan, the woman who passes as a man in order to take her ailing father's place in the army; Jack Sparrow, a pirate who seeks to reclaim his ship, the Black Pearl; Simba, the self-exiled lion who is the rightful king of the Pride Land; and Tron, a security program in Hollow Bastion's computer network who seeks to end the dictatorship of the Master Control Program.[9]

Organization XIII, a group of beings without hearts, was established as the main antagonists early on. Organization XIII controls the Nobodies, the bodies left over when a person with a strong heart is turned into a Heartless. Villains unique to the worlds are still prevalent and are often presented as challenges that Sora must overcome.

Story

Kingdom Hearts II begins one year after the events of Kingdom Hearts. Sora, Donald, and Goofy have been asleep in suspended animation for the past year to regain their lost memories. Meanwhile, Roxas, the Nobody of Sora,[17] is trapped in a virtual simulation of Twilight Town created by DiZ so that he may merge with his original self to restore Sora's power,[18] done as part of DiZ's revenge on Organization XIII.[19][20] DiZ's plans are threatened when Organization XIII's Nobodies, led by Axel, Roxas's former friend in the Organization, infiltrate the virtual town, but Roxas finally merges with Sora. Sora, Donald, and Goofy wake up in the real Twilight Town and meet King Mickey and Yen Sid, who send them on another journey. Their goal is to find Riku and stop the plans of Organization XIII, who control the Nobodies—the body left over when a person with a strong heart is turned into a Heartless. Afterward, Maleficent is resurrected and joins with Pete to continue her quest for power.

Sora travels to many Disney-themed worlds, old and new, and resolves the troubles caused by Organization XIII, the Heartless, Maleficent and Pete, and local villains. Meanwhile, Kairi is kidnapped by Axel. During a visit to Hollow Bastion, they again meet King Mickey, who reveals the true nature of Ansem, the antagonist of Kingdom Hearts. The Ansem whom Sora defeated was actually the Heartless of Xehanort, a student of Ansem the Wise, and that the leader of the Organization is Xehanort's Nobody, Xemnas.[21][22] Organization XIII's plan is revealed: they seek the power of "Kingdom Hearts", which is the sum of all the hearts that Sora released by destroying the Heartless with his Keyblade.[23] Sora then revisits the worlds to solve lingering problems and new complications, while seeking a path to Organization XIII's base of operations. Throughout his endeavors, Sora is secretly aided by a mysterious hooded figure whom Sora believes to be Riku.

Sora, Donald, and Goofy enter a passageway through Twilight Town and encounter Axel, who sacrifices himself to create a passageway to the World That Never Was, the headquarters of Organization XIII, with Kingdom Hearts looming overhead as a heart-shaped moon. Sora finds Kairi and Riku, whose appearance has been changed by the darkness to that of Xehanort's Heartless; he also reveals to Sora the nature of his connection to Roxas. King Mickey meets DiZ, who reveals himself to be Ansem the Wise.[24] Ansem uses a device that dissipates some of Kingdom Hearts' power, but after a system overload causes the machine to begin a self-destruct sequence, he realizes the nature of the heart and apologizes to Sora, Riku, King Mickey, and Roxas for his mistake before the Kingdom Hearts Encoder explodes and engulfs him; the explosion also miraculously restores Riku to his original form.[25] At the top of the Castle that Never Was, Sora and his friends battle Xemnas, who uses the remaining power of Kingdom Hearts to power his multiple forms.[26] After Sora and Riku finish Xemnas, the two are reunited with their friends at their home, Destiny Islands.[27] The game concludes as Sora, Kairi, and Riku read a letter from Mickey, its contents hidden from the player but elaborated on in Kingdom Hearts coded and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.[28]

Development

Development plans for Kingdom Hearts II began around the completion of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, but specific details were undecided until July 2003.[29] Nomura noted several obstacles to clear before development could begin on a sequel. One such obstacle was the development team's desire to showcase Mickey Mouse more, which required Disney's approval.[30] The game was developed by Square Enix's Product Development Division 1,[1] with most of the original staff from the first game.[31] To explain the loss of all the abilities from the first game at the beginning of Kingdom Hearts II, Nomura had Sora's memories scrambled in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories.[32]

The Gummi Ship segments were redesigned for Kingdom Hearts II.

Many aspects of the gameplay were reworked for this sequel. Some changes were made due to user feedback and others were meant to be included in previous games but were omitted either because of time or technological constraints.[7] The camera was switched to the right analog stick of the DualShock controller instead of the shoulder buttons and the Gummi Ship travel was reworked. The combat system was completely redone and did not use any animations from the first game. Because Sora had matured, Nomura wanted his fighting style to reflect that.[14] Other changes included more integration between exploration and battles.[33] The variations in combat styles associated with each Drive Form and the introduction of the Reaction Command were added to give players more choices in battles.[7] The inclusion of worlds based on live-action Disney films was aided by technology that generated the character models from live-action pictures.[33]

Content editing

Xigbar's telescopic sight view and his weapons have been altered from the Japanese version (top) to the English version (bottom).

Besides typical English translation and localization, the English version of Kingdom Hearts II differs from the original Japanese version in the content of gameplay and several scenes. The Hydra boss in the Hercules-themed world Olympus Coliseum had its green blood from the original Japanese version (which was taken from the film) changed into black and purple smoke in the English version. There is also a scene in Disney Castle where, after chasing Donald around for missing a date, Daisy Duck pounds him on the backside in the Japanese version while she merely tells him off inaudibly in the English version.

Xigbar's telescopic sight was changed from a crosshair and black shading around the sides to three glowing circles.[8] An attack animation was also altered; in the Japanese version, Xigbar combined his two hand-held guns to create a sniper rifle, which was used to shoot the player's party during the telescoping sight sequence. In the English version, Xigbar does not combine his guns, but twirls them around and shoots at Sora with a single gun. The death of Organization XIII member Axel was slightly edited; in the original, he burst into flames during his suicide attack, while in the English version he simply faded away after using up all of his power.

Port Royal, based on Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, contains the most content edits. Cutscenes were edited to remove some of the violence, such as William Turner threatening to commit suicide while aiming a gun at his head, as in the film.[8] Unlike the Japanese version, the undead Pirates do not catch fire when affected by Fire magic and their muskets were modified to resemble crossbows,[34] though the crossbows still fire with an audible musket shot sound effect. Also, in the Japanese version of the game, blood remains on the medallion throughout the game, while in the edited cutscenes, the blood is only shown when Barbossa drops it into the chest. In another instance, when Jack Sparrow is stabbed by Barbossa, Barbossa's sword is seen sticking out of his chest as he stumbles backwards into the moonlight, but the sword is removed in the English version.

Promotion

An unlockable trailer in Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts Final Mix hinted at the possibility of a sequel. Rumors for a sequel on the PlayStation 2 were spurred in Japan when the video game website Quiter stated that "an internal (and anonymous source) at Square Japan" confirmed that development of Kingdom Hearts II had begun.[35] It was not until Kingdom Hearts II was announced, along with Chain of Memories, at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2003[36] that rumors were confirmed. Initial details were that it would take place some time after Chain of Memories, which takes place directly after the first game. Other details included the return of Sora, Donald, and Goofy, as well as new costumes. Information about Mickey Mouse's involvement was kept to a minimum.[29][37] Aside from the game trailer and various screen shots, information regarding the game was kept secret for an extended period of time.

At the 2004 Square Enix E3 Press conference, producer Shinji Hashimoto said that many mysteries of the first game would be answered.[38] Square Enix launched the official Japanese website in May 2005,[39] followed by the English website in December 2005.[40] The websites featured videos and information regarding characters and worlds. Commercials were aired in Japan which highlighted the numerous Disney characters in the game.[41] Although the game was announced in September 2003, a release date for the game was not set until two years later.[42] Nomura admitted that the game was announced too early and information regarding the game was not released until a debut period was in sight.[43]

Audio

Musical score

Like the first game, Kingdom Hearts II features music by Yoko Shimomura and Hikaru Utada. The Original Soundtrack for Kingdom Hearts II was composed by Shimomura and released on January 25, 2006.[44] The opening orchestration and ending credits theme were arranged and orchestrated by Kaoru Wada and performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.[44] The main vocal theme for the original Japanese release was "Passion", written and performed by Utada. The English version of "Passion", "Sanctuary", was used in the Western releases. Utada's involvement was announced on July 29, 2005.[45] According to Nomura, the vocal theme ties in even more closely with the game's story than "Hikari" ("Simple and Clean") did with Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories.[46] The CD single for "Passion" was released on December 14, 2005[47] and "Sanctuary" was first previewed on MTV's official website in early 2006.[48]

Voice cast

Kingdom Hearts II features well-known voice actors for both the Japanese and English versions. Many of the original voice actors from the first Kingdom Hearts reprised their roles; Miyu Irino and Haley Joel Osment as Sora, Mamoru Miyano and David Gallagher as Riku, and Risa Uchida and Hayden Panettiere as Kairi. New voice actors included Kōki Uchiyama and Jesse McCartney as Roxas, Iku Nakahara and Brittany Snow as Naminé, and Genzō Wakayama and Christopher Lee as DiZ.[12][49] A special effort was made to preserve the official voice actors from the Disney movies used in Kingdom Hearts II. Many actors reprised their Disney roles for the game, including American actors Ming-Na, James Woods, and Zach Braff,[12] and Japanese actors Takashi Aoyagi, Kōichi Yamadera, Yū Shimaka, and Hiroshi Fujioka. Some voice actors from the related television series or direct-to-video sequels were chosen over original voice actors where applicable (for example Robert Costanzo as Philoctetes rather than Danny DeVito). Some characters were given new voice actors in the English version; Aerith, Leon, Sephiroth and Hercules, who were originally voiced by Mandy Moore, David Boreanaz, Lance Bass, and Sean Astin respectively in the first game,[50] are now voiced by Mena Suvari, Doug Erholtz, George Newbern, and Tate Donovan (Hercules' original voice actor).[49]

Reception

Kingdom Hearts II was generally well-received, garnering positive reviews and sales figures. Within a week of its Japanese release, Kingdom Hearts II shipped one million copies,[51] selling almost 730,000 copies.[52] The NPD Group reported that Kingdom Hearts II was the highest-selling console game in North America during March 2006 with 614,000 copies.[53] In the month after its release in North America, Kingdom Hearts II sold an estimated one million copies.[54] GameStop listed the game as their best-selling title for the first quarter of 2006.[55] The game was also on IGN's "Top 10 Sellers in 2006".[56] By December 2006, over 3.5 million copies of Kingdom Hearts II had been shipped worldwide with 0.7 million in PAL regions, 1.1 million in Japan, and 1.7 million in North America.[57][58] As of March 31, 2007, Square Enix had shipped over 4 million units worldwide.[5]

Critical response

Reception
Aggregate scores
Aggregator Score
GameRankings 87%[59]
Metacritic 87 out of 100[60]
Review scores
Publication Score
1UP.com A+[61]
Eurogamer 8 out of 10[6]
Famitsu 39 out of 40[62]
Game Informer 9 out of 10[3]
GamePro 4.5/5 stars[63]
GameSpot 8.7 out of 10[64]
IGN 7.6 out of 10[65]
Play Magazine 9.5 out of 10[66]

The game has received numerous awards and high ratings among reviews including a Satellite Award in 2006 for "Outstanding Game Based on Existing Medium".[67] It tied with Resident Evil 4 as Famitsu's "Game of the Year" 2005.[68] Famitsu's readers ranked the game 29th on their "All Time Top 100" feature,[69] ten places below Kingdom Hearts. It was ranked number one on IGN's 2006 "Reader's Choice" for PlayStation 2 games.[56] Eurogamer ranked it 34th on their "Top 50 Games of 2006" list.[70] Video game magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly awarded it "Best Sequel" of 2006,[71] and Game Informer listed it among the "Top 50 games of 2006".[72] Videogamer.com featured it 10th in their article "Top 10: Role playing games".[73] GamePro named it the 25th best RPG title of all time.[74] Kingdom Hearts II also received a near-perfect score, 39/40, from the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu.[62]

Critics commended many aspects of the game. GameSpy praised the quality of the voice acting and cited the graphics as "on par with the best of Square's productions to date."[75] They also commented on the realistic and accurate character models for the characters from Pirates of the Caribbean. IGN rated the graphics a 9/10 and stated that the "worlds look very much like their filmed counterparts."[76] Japanese gaming site, Gpara.com also praised the look of the worlds.[77] G4 awarded Kingdom Hearts II "Best Voice Over" and "Best Soundtrack" in their 2006 G-Phoria awards show.[78]

Like its predecessors, the gameplay received mixed reviews. Many compliments were directed at the new camera controls and combat interactions between party members. GamePro stated that the beginning was "sluggishly slow", but praised the action-oriented combat.[63] GameSpot said that the fixed camera system and new gameplay dynamics improved the experience, but they felt the game was far too easy and that there was too much button-mashing.[64] IGN also commented on the button-mashing aspect of the gameplay and criticized the party member's artificial intelligence, citing it as "absolutely terrible", but praised the story, presentation, and new battle features.[65] Gpara.com had positive comments about the ease of combo attacks and complimented the steady pacing of the story and gameplay.[77]

Versions and merchandise

Kingdom Hearts II has been released in four different versions. The first three are the normal regional releases in Japan, North America, and PAL regions, which only differ nominally in content editing and localization. The European and Australian PAL releases were reformatted to run at 50 Hz to fit the definition size of PAL encoding systems.[79] The fourth version has additional content and was released under the title Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix. Like the previous titles, both Square and Disney released numerous types of merchandise before and after the game came out. Merchandise ranged from toys and figurines to clothing items and books. The game has also been adapted into both manga and novel series. Prior to the game's release, an Ultimania book titled Kingdom Hearts Series Ultimania α ~Introduction of Kingdom Hearts II~ came out. It provides extended information on the first two Kingdom Hearts games, as well as information on the unreleased Kingdom Hearts II.[80] After the release of the game, Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania, which focuses on the game itself, came out. Another book, titled Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+ Ultimania, was released after the Final Mix version came out. Released along with Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts -Another Report- was a hardback book which includes game information, visuals by Shiro Amano, and a director interview.[81] In North America, BradyGames published two strategy guides—a standard guide and a limited edition version. The latter version was available in four different covers and included a copy of Jiminy's Journal along with 400 stickers.[82]

Final Mix

Because the first game was re-released, there was speculation whether Tetsuya Nomura would do the same with Kingdom Hearts II.[83] In a Weekly Shōnen Jump interview with Nomura, he expressed interest in a possible international version of Kingdom Hearts II, although there were no definite plans. He said that should a "Final Mix" version arise, he had a "trump card" in mind, with such features as the Mushroom Heartless found in the first Kingdom Hearts game.[46] In September 2006, Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, featuring new scenes and gameplay elements. Like the first re-release, this version would combine English audio with Japanese text and also use the "Sanctuary" theme song instead of "Passion". New cutscenes, however, used Japanese voice acting, as they mostly featured Organization XIII members from Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories who did not yet have English voice actors.

Kingdom Hearts II was re-released in Japan on March 29, 2007[84] as a 2-disc set titled Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+. The first disc contains Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix with a new secret movie and additional battles and items.[85] The second disc contains Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories, a 3D PlayStation 2 remake of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories with extra scenes and voice acting. The battle system maintains the card gameplay, with the addition of Reaction Commands from Kingdom Hearts II.[86] Like the first game's Final Mix, the two games serve as a canonical update to the series. The book Kingdom Hearts -Another Report- was included along with the game for those who reserved a copy.[81] Based on Amazon.com figures, Final Mix+ was the number one PlayStation 2 game in sales during the week of its release in Japan.[87]

Printed adaptations

A manga series based on the game started its serialization in the June 2006 issue of the magazine Monthly Shōnen Gangan, published by Square Enix. The artist is Shiro Amano, who also did the Kingdom Hearts and Chain of Memories manga series. The first volume was released in Japan in December 2006.[88] Tokyopop licensed the manga and released volume one in North America on July 3, 2007.[89] The second volume has recently been released. The game has also been novelized by Tomoco Kanemaki and illustrated by Shiro Amano. The first volume, titled "Roxas—Seven Days", was released on April 22, 2006[90] and covers Roxas' story to when Sora wakes up and leaves Twilight Town. The novel depicts extra scenes that were added in the Final Mix version, such as interaction between Organization XIII members and between Axel, Naminé and Riku. The second book, "The Destruction of Hollow Bastion", was released on July 16, 2006,[91] the third book, "Tears of Nobody," revolving around Roxas' past, was released on September 29, 2006,[92] and the fourth book, "Anthem—Meet Again/Axel Last Stand," came out in February 2007.[93]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "【TGS】スクエニ第1開発事業部新規タイトル発表会、詳細レポート！" (in Japanese). Dengeki Online. 2003-09-26. http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/2003/9/26/7eebeedd61ad754327406658d0626da4.html. Retrieved 2010-01-31. 
  2. ↑ "Feature: Kingdom Hearts II (E3 2004)". GamePro. 2004-05-12. http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/35541/kingdom-hearts-ii-e3-2004/. Retrieved 2008-09-24. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Reiner, Andrew. "Kingdom Hearts 2". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-03-11. http://web.archive.org/web/20070311005700/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/6385AA1E-9EC1-4F7C-A8D6-14D0545D1C81.htm. Retrieved 2006-12-15. 
  4. ↑ "News—IGN Best of 06". IGN. http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/38.html. Retrieved 2006-12-15. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.square-enix.com/jp/common/images/sqex_07profile_e.pdf#page=6
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Fahey, Rob (2006-10-10). "Kingdom Hearts II Review". Eurogamer. http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=68539. Retrieved 2007-07-31. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "1UP—E3 2005 Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/1UP-2. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Kingdom Hearts II for PlayStation 2". MobyGames. http://www.mobygames.com/game/kingdom-hearts-ii. Retrieved 2007-06-18. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Hollinger, Elizabeth (2006). Kingdom Hearts II Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames. ISBN 0-7440-0526-4. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Square Enix (2006). Kingdom Hearts II Instruction Booklet. Square Enix. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Kingdom Hearts II". G4. http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1143/Kingdom_Hearts_II.html. Retrieved 2006-12-15. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Coleman, Stephen (2006-02-08). "Kingdom Hearts II Gets All-Star Cast". IGN. http://games.ign.com/articles/686/686944p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  13. ↑ "Tetsuya Nomura Dengeki Interview #3". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. 2005-06-08. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/Dengeki-3. Retrieved 2007-08-02. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Playstation.com Europe—E3 Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/Playstation. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  15. ↑ King Mickey's Note: Donald, Sorry to rush off without sayin’ goodbye, but there’s big trouble brewin’. Not sure why, but the stars have been blinkin’ out, one by one. And that means disaster can’t be far behind. I hate to leave you all but I’ve gotta go check into it. There’s someone with a “key”—the key to our survival. So I need you and Goofy to find him, and stick with him. Got it? We need that key or we’re doomed! So go to Traverse Town and find Leon. He’ll point you in the right direction. P.S. Would ya apologize to Minnie for me? Thanks, pal. Square. Kingdom Hearts. (Square Electronic Arts). PlayStation 2. (2002-11-15)
  16. ↑ Boulette, Bryan (2005-11-27). "Nomura Divulges Kingdom Hearts II Details". RPGamer. http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/112705b.html. Retrieved 2007-05-29. 
  17. ↑ Riku: Because, Sora. Roxas is your Nobody. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  18. ↑ Riku: Will it work? / DiZ: If we can maintain the simulated town until Naminé finishes chaining together Sora's memories. / Riku: What will happen to Roxas? / DiZ: He holds half of Sora's power within him. In the end, he'll have to give it back. Until then, he'll need another personality to throw off his pursuers. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  19. ↑ DiZ: What I need is someone who can move about the realm of light and destroy Organization XIII. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  20. ↑ Ansem the Wise: I won't deny there was more. I was...obsessed with thoughts of revenge. My apprentices stole everything precious to me---my research, and my pride. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  21. ↑ Mickey: But, what you actually fought was his Heartless. Ya see, he wasn't really Ansem. He just went around telling everybody that he was. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  22. ↑ Mickey: Now I remember! Xehanort! Ansem's apprentice! The leader of Organization XIII is Xehanort's Nobody! Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  23. ↑ Saïx: Pitiful Heartless, mindlessly collecting hearts. And yet they know not the true power of what they hold. The rage of the Keyblade releases those hearts. They gather in darkness, masterless and free... until they weave together to make Kingdom Hearts. And when that time comes, we can truly, finally exist. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  24. ↑ DiZ: It's been too long, my friend. / Mickey: Ansem the Wise. Why didn't you come to me before things got so bad? Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  25. ↑ Ansem the Wise: It's a device to reclaim Kingdom Hearts and encode it as data. / Mickey: Not sure I get it. / Ansem the Wise: I do not claim to know the outcome of this venture, either. After all... Hearts are unpredictable. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  26. ↑ Xemnas: Hear me, Kingdom Hearts! It seems we must begin anew. Ah, but know this: I will give to you as many hearts as it takes. Mark my words! You can no more be complete without me than I without you. Heed me, Kingdom Hearts! Lend me your power, so that we may be complete! The power to erase the fools that hinder us. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  27. ↑ Sora: W-We're back. / Kairi: You're home. Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  28. ↑ Kairi: Sora! Riku! / Sora: Hey, what's up? / Kairi: Look. / Sora: From the King?Square Enix. Kingdom Hearts II. (Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games). PlayStation 2. (2006-03-28)
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 GameSpot Staff (2003-10-10). "Kingdom Hearts II's Tetsuya Nomura Q & A". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/news.html?sid=6076646. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  30. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania—Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/KH2U. Retrieved 2007-08-10. 
  31. ↑ "1st Famitsu Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/Famitsu-1. Retrieved 2007-09-20. 
  32. ↑ "KH: CoM Ultimania—The Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/CoMU. Retrieved 2007-06-07. 
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Dengeki—Kingdom Hearts 2 Progress Report". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. http://www.kh2.co.uk/?page=NI/Dengeki-2. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  34. ↑ Gantayat, Anoop (2006-03-26). "Nomura Discusses Kingdom Hearts and Future Titles". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/698/698488p1.html. Retrieved 2007-03-11. 
  35. ↑ IGN Staff (2003-03-07). "Kingdom Hearts 2 on PS2?". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/388/388537p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  36. ↑ Calvert, Justin (2003-09-26). "TGS 2003: Kingdom Hearts sequels announced". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/kingdomheartschainofmemories/news.html?sid=6075893. Retrieved 2007-06-08. 
  37. ↑ IGN Staff (2003-09-26). "TGS 2003: Kingdom Hearts II Details". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/451/451708p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  38. ↑ Benson, Mike (2004-05-12). "Square Enix E3 Press Conference and "Dear Friends" Concert". Gaming Age. http://www.gaming-age.com/event/2004/e3/12-60. Retrieved 2007-09-25. 
  39. ↑ Gantayat, Anoop (2005-05-02). "Kingdom Hearts II Website". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/609/609294p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  40. ↑ Vore, Bryan (2005-12-01). "Kingdom Hearts II Official U.S. Website Launched". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-06-09. http://web.archive.org/web/20070609073134/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200512/N05.1201.1418.12472.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  41. ↑ Vore, Bryan (2005-12-02). "New Kingdom Hearts 2 Japanese TV Ad". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-12-19. http://web.archive.org/web/20071219155105/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200512/N05.1202.1259.10506.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-12. 
  42. ↑ Gantayat, Anoop (2005-12-28). "Kingdom Hearts II Dated in Japan". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/654/654393p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  43. ↑ Gantayat, Anoop (2005-05-04). "Tetsuya Nomura on Everything". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/610/610042p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack CD insert. Toshiba-EMI Limited. 2006.
  45. ↑ Niizumi, Hirohiko (2005-07-29). "Kingdom Hearts vocalist returns for sequel". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/news.html?sid=6130068. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 Studio BentStuff, ed (2006). "Tetsuya Nomura interview" (in Japanese). Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania. DigiCube/Square Enix. ISBN 4-7575-1621-5. http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2006/08/11/kingdom-hearts-ii-tetsuya-nomura-interview.htm. 
  47. ↑ "Hikaru Utada/Passion (CD+DVD)". CD Japan. http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=TOCT-5004. Retrieved 2007-06-18. 
  48. ↑ Vore, Bryan (2006-02-24). "Square Enix Reveals KH2 Main Theme In English, Plus Interview With Haley Joel". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2007-04-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20070413004138/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200602/N06.0224.1528.07850.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 "Full cast and crew for Kingdom Hearts II (2005)(VG)". Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390163/fullcredits#cast. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  50. ↑ "Full cast and crew for Kingdom Hearts (2002)(VG)". Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0322968/fullcredits#cast. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  51. ↑ Gantayat, Anoop (2005-12-27). "Kingdom Hearts 2 Goes Platinum". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/678/678247p1.html. Retrieved 2007-06-14. 
  52. ↑ Brownell, Richard (2005-12-28). "News—Japan: weekly software sales from 12/19 - 12/25". GamesAreFun.com. http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=5934. Retrieved 2006-12-15. 
  53. ↑ Thorsen, Tor. "ChartSpot: March 2006". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/news/6147802.html. Retrieved 2007-05-15. 
  54. ↑ "TGS06: Kingdom Hearts II Achieves Million-Unit Sales Mark in North America in Four Weeks". Square Enix. http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2006/0502/. Retrieved 2006-12-15. 
  55. ↑ Dobson, Jason (2006-05-18). "Industry News: GameStop's Q1 Results Up On Xbox 360, KH2". Gamasutra. http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9368. Retrieved 2007-07-05. 
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 "PS2 2006 Year in Review". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/749/749553p2.html. Retrieved 2006-12-20. 
  57. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts Series Ships over 10 Million Worldwide". GameSpot. 2007-02-05. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/kingdomhearts/news.html?sid=6165399&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;1. Retrieved 2007-05-13. 
  58. ↑ "スクウェア・エニックス、イベントなど追加「Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+」「キングダム ハーツ」 シリーズ累計出荷本数1,000万本達成" (in Japanese). Game Watch. http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070105/khfm.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-11. 
  59. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)". Game Rankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/915410.asp. Retrieved 2008-04-26. 
  60. ↑ "Kingdom Hearts II (PS2: 2006)". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/kingdomhearts2?q=kingdom%20hearts. Retrieved 2007-06-13. 
  61. ↑ Intihar, Bryan (2006-04-14). "Reviews: Kingdom Hearts 2". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3149639&p=2&sec=REVIEWS. Retrieved 2006-12-15. 
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Freund, Josh (2005-12-20). "News - Latest Famitsu review scores - Kingdom Hearts II, Mario & Luigi 2, & more". GamesAreFun.com. http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=5915. Retrieved 2008-10-11. 
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 Bones (2006-03-29). "Review: Kingdom Hearts II". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/52943/kingdom-hearts-ii/. Retrieved 2008-09-24. 
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 Gouskos, Carrie (2006-03-28). "Kingdom Hearts 2". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/review.html. Retrieved 2006-12-15. 
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  66. ↑ Des Barres, Nick. "Review - Kingdom Hearts II". Play Magazine. http://www.playmagazine.com/?fuseaction=SiteMain.Content&contentid=203. Retrieved 2009-05-31. 
  67. ↑ Kingdom Hearts II (2005) (VG) - Awards
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  69. ↑ "Japan Votes on All Time Top 100". Edge. http://www.edge-online.com/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100?page=0,0. Retrieved 2008-09-24. 
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  71. ↑ "Best of 2006". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (213): 81. March 2007. 
  72. ↑ "Top 50 Games of 2006". Game Informer (GameStop) (165): 55. January 2007. 
  73. ↑ Freund, Josh (2007-12-27). "Top 10: Role playing games". Videogamer.com. http://www.videogamer.com/features/article/27-12-2007-232.html. Retrieved 2010-03-25. 
  74. ↑ GamePro Staff (2008-11-05). "The 26 Best RPGs". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/207777/the-26-best-rpgs/. Retrieved 2010-03-26. 
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